Study Reveals Value of Galectin-3 and NT-proBNP in Predicting Heart Failure and Death

Researchers for a study published in the February 1, 2014 issue of the American Journal of Cardiology investigated a combination of biomarkers and various other factors (e.g., hypertension, atrial fibrillation, etc.) in patients (n = 706) with known cardiovascular disease to determine their predictive value for cardiovascular events. Elevated levels of galectin-3 and N-terminal fragment of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), each independently and significantly (with p-values of 0.007 and 0.004, respectively) predicted an increased incidence of heart failure and death as well as an increased incidence of heart attacks, strokes, and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs).